Well, Nebraska’s Concealed Handgun Law took effect January 1, 2007. Luckily, a new sign has appeared at the entrance to the building where I work:

NOTICECarrying a concealed handgun isPROHIBITEDin or on this place or premises.

Those in control of this property have prohibited permit holders from possessing or carrying a concealed handgun on these premises. Unless otherwise authorized by law, violation of this prohibition is a criminal offense.

Do your homework. Check economist Dr. John Lott's extensive and rigorous evaluation of the difference concealed carry laws make on rates of violent crime in those states that have passed laws. Also review what has happened to the violent crime rates in Australia and England after guns were prohibited.

The facts are that concealed carry laws are about the only action that goverment has taken that has significantly reduced violent crime rates in America. That is why all but three states, and now that Nebraskans have learned the facts, two states - Illinois and Minnisota, have passed some form of concealed carry law.

As for these signs, they are very reassuring for sociopaths intent on doing as much mayhem to the public with their illegally acquired guns. They know that there will be no one around to stop the slaughter. Think about where most of these tragic mass murders occur - public places like universities, government buildings (post offices), schools and hospitals where concealed carry has been conspicuously outlawed.

Now try to find an instance where a law abiding citizen legally carrying concealed has committed a crime with that concealed weapon.

Decisions made on the basis of facts and good research, and critical thinking are much better than those made based on emotion. Try to ignore how you feel personally about guns, and handguns in particular, and honestly and objectively look at the numbers. I presume you are an academnic type with some affiliation with a university. I would plea that you do not simply adopt some politically correct stance on such an important issue. Universities in the past have been where people have done creative, independent thinking, then devised ways of verifying or refuting those ideas in the light of objective, sound thinking.

The horror of guns! It is about time some people grow up and live in the real world. It doesn't matter if you live in New York City or small town Nebraksa. The people have voted (that is one of our constitutional rights) and we have allowed the legal carrying of concealed weapons. Isn't democracy great? Now if we can get rid of term limits and let the voters decide who they want in office (Oh wow! Another part of the Constitution!!!).

I'll give you an example of a situation where have a concealed weapons law helped an average citizen. Real Big Guy, "So what you gonna do about it bitch? I'll kick your ass and there is nothing you can do about it!!".